Avlimil Is a Woman's Answer to Viagra

Published Online: Thursday, May 1, 2003

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With Viagra for men pulling in $1.7 billion in sales, the race is on to make a version for women. Wagner Pharmaceuticals has introduced Avlimil?an herbal supplement that claims to offer women what Viagra offers men.

Although at least 10 pharmaceutical companies have undertaken development of a similar drug for women, many question how any drug would be effective for treatment of women?s sexual dysfunction because a woman?s sexuality is more complicated and psychologically driven than that of men. Adelaide Nardone, MD, gynecol-

ogist and obstetrician, said, "For women, arousal and desire start in the brain. Women?s sexual dysfunction often has a psychological component." Avlimil claims that it helps with all areas of sexual problems, citing a company-sponsored 3-month trial of 49 women. "Since Avlimil?s launch 2 months ago, 30,000 people have purchased it," Susan Cossman, vice president of marketing for Warner Health Care, a division of Wagner Pharmaceuticals, said. "Avlimil sales are expected to hit $10 million in 12 months."